Kimmel doesn't possess the musical comedy chops of Fallon, who opened the Globes with an elaborate "La La Land” parody, or of past Oscars hosts like Billy Crystal, Neil Patrick Harris and Hugh Jackman.

But look for Kimmel, whose post-show movie parody videos earned more laughs than some Oscars hosts of recent years, to assemble a top-notch cameo-filled reel for prime time. Last year's gem – a satire of "The Producers" called "Trumped" – proved both funny and prescient.

Political Floorshow"Trumped" aside, Kimmel's not known as a particularly political comedian. But it's a good bet that President Trump's name – and policies – will be on the lips of some winners.

The first Reality-TV president has loomed throughout the awards season – from Meryl Streep's Golden Globes speech likening him to a bully to Busta Rhymes rapping about "President Agent Orange" at the Grammys.

Will "Bonnie and Clyde" Steal the Show?Warren Beatty and Faye Dunaway, co-stars of "Bonnie and Clyde," might reunite a half-century later to present the Best Picture statuette, according to The Hollywood Reporter.

The nominations this time around better reflect Hollywood's quality output – as well as the country’s population. Seven of the 20 acting nominations went to actors of color. Meanwhile, four of the nine best picture nominees feature non-white primary protagonists.

Denzel Washington's brilliant turn in "Fences" would be a Best Actor lock most years, though Casey Affleck's chilling turn in "Manchester by the Sea" makes for a tight race.

Viola Davis is a Best Supporting Actress favorite for "Fences," though it’s puzzling that she wasn’t put up for Best Actress. Speaking of which: The most glaring snub of awards season remains Oscar voters' failure to nominate Taraji P. Henson for "Hidden Figures."

"La La”-Land Grab"La La Land," a fine but flawed film, captured the imagination of Hollywood, which tends to reward movies about the entertainment industry (“Birdman” and “The Artist” are the two most recent examples of good films enshrined in greatness with Best Picture victories).

But anything could happen, given this year’s crowded field of nine nominated movies – even if might be folly to hope for a surprising and satisfying Hollywood ending.